Guys,

Would anyone happen to know whether the internal HDD in the PlayOn unit is used for buffering when viewing media across the network? I have all my media on a file server and do not store any in the PlayOn unit. So far I've tried playing 1080p media from the server without installing a HDD in the PlayOn and it works fine without stuttering but dunno what will happen when the network is congested and the server is being accessed by other users.

If it doesnt use the internal HDD for buffering then I dont plan to install one.

Been Googling for this without any solid answer.

Just a quick update, encountered slight studdering while playing some 720p content over the Homeplugs from my NAS, traced the root of the problem to my main LAN switch which is a 10/100. Gonna upgrade it to a 10/100/1000 soon. Stay tuned

I don't know why you have to Google all over the world for an answer when just a logical short trip to AC Ryan's Playon!HD FAQ would have given you some insight.

"Can I install a harddisk with existing data into the Playon!HD as its internal harddisk?
You can, but your data will be erased. Once you install a harddisk (new or old, with or without existing data) and power up your Playon!HD for the first time, you will be asked for confirm to have your harddisk formatted. At this point you can proceed or stop. The harddisk needs to be formatted because Playon!HD will create hidden partitions (total of about 300mb only) for the system use (eg. buffering). You will not see this system-use hidden partition on the Playon!HD or on your computer. The main data area is formatted as NTFS.


When I connect Playon!HD to my computer with USB and check Disk Manager, why do I see 3 hidden partitions in addition to the main NTFS partition?"

The hidden partitions are created (total about 300mb) and used by the Playon!HD system eg. buffering for smoother network streaming when there is inconsistent speed in the network. Do not edit or delete these 3 hidden partitions.

This post has been edited by Ngto: Dec 16 2009, 05:32 PM

Can anyone confirm that it can bitstream TrueHD/DTS-MA audio via HDMI?

no it cant. Only wdtv live can do truehd.

Play!On only has 100Mbps ethernet right? If it's connected to a 1Gbps switch it will still be 100Mpbs. But maybe a 1Gbps switch will reduce congestion on your overall network.

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Added on December 16, 2009, 6:57 pm Hoho, dunno how I missed that Anyways this means it's not a good idea to run it without HDD then. Thanks.


This post has been edited by zainframe: Dec 16 2009, 06:57 PM

You can always get an old/spare small capacity HD and install internally just for the buffering, just in case it comes in handy in the future.

Then it's a bargain since a GPU chip that can do TrueHD cost over 1k, while WDTV everything in a box only cost < 500 ...

no point also, since it can't do DTS-MA... so it's half baked for HD audio solution...

POHD can do with DTS-MA right?correct me if wrong.

bro ar188.... very up-to-date one

now tak bolih..

think...awaiting for FW upgrade for that feature

cant do TrueHD, and seems to be outputting the DTS core only despite knowing and labeling it as DTS-MA track on audio track selection.. (not DTS-MA)... also half baked..

What media player is not "half baked"?...less than 1K

expecting too much for below 1k is also half baked..

(seriously I think no solution yet unless next year the intel 32nm chips - with integrated graphics (unmolested HD audio capable) come out then HTPC with HD audio and low cost might be reality)

How abt the HDX1000?..currently is going for USD199 (not including Shipping)
Its using Sigma Designs SMP8635 C unlike the unreleased HDXDBone suppose to use Sigma 8642.

This post has been edited by azbro: Dec 17 2009, 11:45 AM

dunno, I think got some owners here, maybe you can ask them on HD audio capability?

Just out of curiosity, is both Dolby TrueHD and DTS Master Audio available on all Bluray movies(or at least all new movies)? Is the there any difference in sound quality between the 2? If not, then just having one like Dolby TrueHD would be enough too right?

should be fine with either one. But cant really choose truehd with every movie. Depends on the bd movie.

But is it true that most newer movies have both Dolby and DTS? I guess all will have Dolby TrueHD while some might also have DTS like those dvd.

For Blu-ray movies most of the time it's either DTS-MA or True-HD, seldom both.

The POHD can't even recognise True-HD. Gives a "Unknown Audio Format" error. Not even downmixed to Stereo.

Thankfully nowadays DTS-MA is more available than True-HD. At least can hear the DTS 5.1 Core. If another 3 mths still not included in the firmware upgrades, then can say goodbye to HD Audio already.